Page 41 of Bold Encounter
The call continued for several more minutes, with Genevieve asking questions without receiving satisfactory answers.When she finally hung up, her face was pale, and her hands were shaking.
"What happened?"Cadie asked.
"The performance is canceled," Genevieve said, her voice barely above a whisper."It seems that a major sponsor contacted the venue and requested a change in the lineup.They cited security concerns related to my recent situation."
"That's insane," Cadie said.She looked as devastated as Genevieve.The loss of that performance affected her and the other band members, as well."Whatsecurity concerns?You've been performing for years without any problems."
"That's what I asked," Genevieve said, then sank into a nearby chair."But apparently the sponsor was insistent, and their financial contribution to the event was significant enough that the venue felt they had to comply.And they will even pay the fee for breaking the contract."
Abe had a bad feeling."Did he say which sponsor?"
"He couldn't…orwouldn't.He claimed it was confidential business information.And it was a last-minute change, which is even more unusual."Genevieve looked up at him."The performance had potential.It was my chance to prove that Jason couldn't destroy my career.And now…"
"Now someone with enough influence on major sponsors took that away from you," he said.
The implications were staggering.The shift had Jason's signature all over it.To influence a major sponsor of a House of Blues event required connections and leverage beyond any that Genevieve was familiar with.
"I don't understand," she said."I've been nothing but professional.My performances always go smoothly.Why would a sponsor target me?"
"Because someone convinced them you were a liability," Abe said."Someone with enough credibility and influence to make them believe it."
Cadie looked horrified."This is Jason's doing, isn't it?"She sat in the closest chair as if her legs wouldn't hold her.
"It has to be," Abe said."I don't believe in coincidences.And it fits his pattern."
"But how?"Genevieve put her hand on her forehead."How could Jason have that kind of influence?"
"That's what we're going to find out," Abe said."This crosses a line, Genevieve.I don't put it past Jason to operate as if he's above the law, and if he is, he'll pay the price for it."
"You really think you can prove it?"
"I intend to," he said, "because this stops now.Jason has caused you enough pain and disappointment.The moment that I obtain solid evidence, it will be over for him."
After they left Esplanade Studios, Abe's mind was working through the implications of what had just happened.The game had intensified, and he was ready to play for keeps.
Genevieve walked beside him in silence.Clearly, her dreams of a breakthrough performance had been shattered.Abe believed that she wouldn't give up the fight.She was down but not out, and that gave him hope.
At the car, he said, "We're going to get him."
"Promise me," Genevieve said, fire in her eyes.
"I'll do whatever it takes," Abe said, "I promise that he won't get away with this."
Chapter 10
Genevieve sat in the passenger seat of Abe's car, staring at the glass doors of Esplanade Studios.The professional rehearsal space that had felt so promising an hour ago now seemed to mock her.Through the windows, she could see other musicians setting up for a session, their faces bright with the same excitement she'd felt before that devastating phone call.
"I keep thinking about what my agent told me," she said."A major sponsor requested the change.Someone I've never met, never even heard of, can just decide my career isn't worth their investment."
Abe shifted in the driver's seat to face her fully."Tell me what you're thinking."
"I'm thinking about how powerless I am in all of this."Genevieve twisted her hands in her lap."My agent books the gigs, but he can't control the sponsors.I'm too far down the chain of command to have any say in these decisions.I only feel the effects of what people with real power decide."
"That has to be frustrating."
"It's terrifying," she said."What if this happens again?What if Jason convinces other sponsors that I'm too much trouble?What if venue owners start seeing my name and thinking I bring drama with me?"Fear had been building in her chest since the phone call."I could be blacklisted without ever knowing why.One day I'm performing at respected venues, and the next day no one will book me because some shadowy sponsor thinks I'm a liability."
Abe reached over and took her hand."Jason doesn't want you blacklisted everywhere."
